# 359: John's Tree

This is another Cherry Tree that graces my front yard.  I'm not too happy with this study, it doesn't really capture the gesture of the tree.  I'll try again tomorrow if the blooms hold.

This painting marks the first year of my blog.  I missed 6 painting days, not too bad, mostly they were traveling days.  I think this daily regimen has improved my craft.  This and the classical training I receive will hopefully make up for lost time.  I'm a late bloomer.
I will keep a blog going, but change it to be a daily painting, if possible, no promises.  This way I won't feel guilty when I can't paint.
It's been a good year, this was a good idea.  Tomorrow is a new beginning.

Oil on linen.  6 x 6

Across the Lake

Here, I'm trying to get a sense of the willow and the house across the lake without getting too involved in the details, which I really do not see.

Oil on canvas.  4 x 6

Tree Study: Forsithyas

They seem to be holding hands and having a good time.

Oil on linen.  5 x 7

Tree Study: Kevin's Tree

 This young and beautiful Weeping Cherry graces my front yard.

Oil on canvas.  6 x 6

Weeping Willow

This is just a quick study of this beautiful tree across the lake.

Oil on linen.  6 x 6

Spring Bouquet

Here's the finished version.  Finished for now.

I didn't know which one to paint first, so I painted them as a bouquet.  I need to resolve the fallen petals and put some finishing touches.

Oil on linen.  9 x 12

Almost Spring

It looks as if nature is getting ready to burst into color.
As I'm nearing the end of my Painting a Day Blog, I'm reverting back to my usual canvas size which is about 9x12.  I find that is the right size for my outdoor painting; big enough to use large brushes, but not too big that it takes too long to finish.  Light changes very fast and usually 2 hours is all that you can get to resolve the painting.

Oil on linen.  9 x 12

Morning Fog

Still trying to capture the subtlety of the landscape when it is shrouded in fog.

Oil on canvas.  6 x 9

Pansies 2

Oil on canvas.  4 x 4

Pansies

First I paint them, then I plant them.  It's my favorite time of the year.

Oil on canvas.  4 x 4

Blue Jar

Oil on canvas.  4 x 4

Brigantine 3

Used my painting time to get this one going a little further.  This will be the end of this version and I'll start a new one with some variations.

Oil on linen.  9 x 12

Quiet Morning

Do I dare think Spring??


Oil on canvas.  4 x 6

Clementine

The colors were so vibrant that they deserved a bigger canvas.  I guess there will be a "Clementines 2" very soon.

Oil on canvas.  4 x 4

Whites

Just doing my homework.

Oil on linen.  8 x 10

Twisted

Made you look!!
Today was a day to play with paint.  Abstracts were a big part of my early work and I got away from it as I worked on other facets of art. Like everything else, if something is neglected for a long time, it's very difficult to pick up again.
Non representational art is not easy to do, there's composition, balance, color, and a lot of other elements to keep in mind.
I'll keep working and experimenting, besides bringing enjoyment, it'll help me grow as an artist.

Oil on canvas.  12 x 12

Blue Plate with Daffodil

I just couldn't resist adding a yellow flower to the set up.
About the craft, I find that painting these geometric shapes makes me try to get "the thing" the first time with a single stroke.  It's great practice.

Oil on linen.  6 x 6

# 331

Oil on canvas.  4 x 4

#330

It's getting difficult coming up with clever names for my paintings.

Oil on canvas.  4 x 4

An Apple a Day..

How many apples have I painted this year?? Not enough!

Oil on canvas.  4 x 4

Close Up

I love painting fresh flowers, there's an urgency to capture their beauty before they wilt.  There's no putting off painting when they're waiting, like prima donnas waiting for their close up.
One must enjoy their beauty while it lasts.

Oil on canvas.  4 x 4

Daffodils

I didn't get very far with this painting today; I waited too long to start and I just don't fell like painting any more.  I guess I'm not one of those bohemians who stay up all night painting.   Instead I rather get up at 5 am tackle it them, not too glamorous.

Oil on linen.  5 x 7

Rainy Morning 2

Still painting today what I was painting a year ago.  The painting has become softer, and the colors muted.

Oil o linen.  5 x 7

Artichokes 3

This is the last of the artichoke paintings for a while.  It's interesting how they evolved.

Oil on linen.  5 x 7

Artichokes 2

They're still hanging around, so I added a friend, and painted them again. They make very interesting models.


Oil on linen.  6 x 6